This Is Your Life

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This Is Your Life was a television documentary series hosted by Ralph Edwards. It originated as a radio show in the late 40’s, and then movrd to television for a decade long run in the 1950s.

The format of the show consisted of the host, who would surprise someone, usually a celebrity or public figure, and on occasion an ordinary citizen. The host would follow a research dossier outlining the guests life achievements, thereby presenting a biography of the subject before a live studio audience. The subject would be presented with family members and old friends, reunited with old acquaintances, and often shed a tear when a personal tragedy was recounted.

The celebrity guests were essentially ambushed by host Ralph Edwards and frequently intimidated by the microphone and cameras. People were usually very uncomfortable being caught off-guard Some in fact hostile and angry, at having their personal and private lives made public. There was no opportunity for a guest to review the script in advance or offer a different perspective on one’s life events.

One day, each one of us will be center stage in a sort of “This Is Your Life” documentary review of our life... lived as a so-called follower of Christ. Our host for this momentous event, who will recount our individual life biographies, will be Jesus himself. There will be no cameras, no microphones, and we won’t be caught off-guard. Since the day we said YES to his grace, we’ve known this day would eventually come. We won’t be alone.... there will be a heavenly audience observing the mercy and judgment meted out by the Lord and Savior of humanity. Somehow, the picture I’ve created in my head for that day, when I stand before the creator of the universe and listen to His perspective of my life, is not a very comforting prospect. It’s unsettling. It causes internal agitation of the heart and mind.

The day we make our commitment to Christ, our individual dossier begins. Every detail, every event, every missed opportunity, every ignored responsibility.... everything we do from that point forward, good, bad and indifferent, is being noted by the Lord of the Universe. If you’re not scared now.. give yourself a few moments... you will be!

Many who claim the title “Christian”, who regularly attending church, and are at least acquainted with the gospel, God’s plan of salvation and requirements for living as a Christian, never seem to get with the program. They are comfortable with the world around them. They have little or no problem with sin. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Christians like these, will speak an occasional sentimental thought about Christ for posturing purposes. They acknowledge Christmas and Easter and now and then will engage in basic discussions of Biblical truths, but never at a depth that allows self-exposure or personal conviction. Sadly, these folks who call themselves Christians, demonstrate little or no evidence that they have experienced the transforming power of the gospel in their lives. (Romans 8:1-9; 1 Peter 1: 15-16; Colossians 2:6)

Yet in spite of the overwhelming evidence against them, carnal or worldly Christians consider themselves “heaven bound”... next stop the pearly gates! How absurd! The only Christians who will arrive at heaven’s gate and hear those hoped for words spoken to you by Jesus... “ welcome home good and faithful servant”, are those Christians who have lived transformed lives in total unconditional commitment to serving the Lord’s interests... not your own! (Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:17-24)

At our baptism, God takes us out of the world and embues us with citizenship in heaven. But at the same time, he places us right back in the midst of this sin-filled world. Why? We have a job to do... to be a living witness for Christ. To seek and save those searching for something better than what this sin-filled world offers. We are expected to be “salt and light” to the world. Christians are to be a global throng that “stands in” for Jesus Christ. We are to be noticed and recognized for who we claim to be... followers of Jesus Christ. We are to "walk the walk" and "talk the talk" everyday of our lives in Christ.

The plan is clear and simple to comprehend. We have a blueprint... the Bible. It teaches us how to yield to the Holy Spirit’s leading so we can be transformed into worthy vessels for use by the God. If that’s not where you are right now today, then your mind and heart are in serious need of reconditioning. If God’s will is not defining your direction in life... then you are simply not in sync with God... you are a Carnal Christian.

This world and all of its allies are passing away... be transformed NOW.... so when you stand before Him and God recounts your life... He will do so full of grace, mercy and joy for a life lived passionately in Him... for His Kingdom. There is no other way!